Category: Uncategorized

Photo: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Photo credit (WAM)

Sheikh Hamdan made the remarks on the occasion of the annual World Refugee Day, observed worldwide on 20th June, “Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE seeks to support refugees and find suitable solutions for their challenges,” he added.

The distinguished initiatives launched by the UAE to support refugees have helped boost relevant international efforts, he added, commending the initiatives championed by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), the “Mother of the Nation,” who is the Honorary President of the ERC, aimed to improve the conditions of refugees through the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women.

The fund, established through Sheikha Fatima’s generous initiative, has further enhanced her ongoing efforts to economically and socially empower refugee women, marking a significant breakthrough in the programmes and projects aimed at supporting women in disadvantaged communities, he further added.

“The UAE will remain a protective shield for refugees protecting them from the harsh consequences of displacement, and a resilient fortress to ease their escalating suffering, and a strong pillar to uphold their human dignity,” Sheikh Hamdan said, urging the international community to make more efforts to mitigate the phenomenon of forced displacement and fulfil their responsibility to ensure better living conditions for the victims.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan then stressed the UAE’s commitment towards refugees, improving their ability to adapt to their emergency circumstances, supporting voluntary repatriation programmes, and maintaining stability in their home regions.

He also called for more significant regional and international humanitarian efforts to improve the living conditions of refugees around the world.

Hatem Mohamed/ Khoder Nashar

The United Arab Emirates and Qatar have reopened their respective embassies in Abu Dhabi and Doha, respectively, as of Monday, June 19, 2023.

This marks the restoration of diplomatic ties between the two countries, which had been severed in 2017. The re-opening of the embassies is based on the Al-Ula agreement, which was signed by the leaders of the GCC countries in January 2021.

The agreement called for the end of the Gulf rift, which had been triggered by a number of factors, including Qatar’s alleged support for terrorism.

The reopening of the embassies is a significant step in the normalization of relations between the UAE and Qatar. It is also a boost for the GCC, which has been seeking to overcome the divisions that have plagued the region in recent years.

In a statement, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the reopening of the embassy “embodies the will of the leaderships of the two countries and in the consolidation of the joint Arab action to achieve the aspirations of the two brotherly people.”

The Qatari Foreign Ministry also welcomed the reopening of the embassy, saying that it “reflects the commitment of the two countries to strengthen their bilateral relations.”

The reopening of the embassies is a positive development for the Gulf region. It is a sign that the GCC countries are committed to resolving their differences and working together to achieve common goals.The AlUla Declaration, which was signed on January 5, 2021, marked the conclusion of the Gulf Cooperation Council summit held in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. It resolved the dispute with Qatar and called for unity and the strengthening of relations among GCC countries.

The declaration called for the restoration of diplomatic relations and the reopening of borders and airspace between Qatar and the other GCC countries, and also sought to end economic and media blockades against Qatar, emphasizing unity and cooperation.

Additionally, it proposed the establishment of a joint security committee to address terrorism concerns, strengthening cooperation in areas such as economic development, security, and culture was also emphasized.

Photo; Former President Goodluck Jonathan delivering Late President Kaunda’s 2nd Memorial Lecture

The Second Dr Kenneth Kaunda International Memorial Public Lecture was held at the University of South Africa in Pretoria on Saturday, 17 June 2023, in partnership with The Kenneth Kaunda Children of Africa Foundation, The
Princess of Africa Foundation, and The Ubuntu Africa.

The Memorial Lecture was hosted in honour of the legacy of the founding father and the first President of Independent Zambia, Dr Kenneth Kaunda.

The lecture was delivered by the former President of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who acknowledged
Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s legacy and his contribution to freeing Africa from colonialism.

The Memorial Lecture was attended by the representatives of the Diplomatic Corps their Excellencies Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to the Republic of South Africa from the continent, Ambassador of the Central African Republic, Acting High Commissioner of Zambia, High
Commissioner of Kenya, High Commissioner of Uganda, Ambassador of Zimbabwe, Ambassador of Chad, Ambassador of Somalia. Ambassador of Gambia, Ambassdor of Egypt, Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria, Consul General of Nigeria, High Commissioner of South Africa to Zambia, Kaweche
Kaunda, former President Kaunda’s son, academia, representatives from the youth associations, and
representative from the different political parties.

KK was well known for his fight against HIV AIDS. Doctor Kaunda directed his life towards the improvement of human relations in Africa and in
humanity. After leaving State House in November 1991, Dr. Kaunda committed himself in various ways to work for humanity and the world.

In the year 2000, he established the Kenneth Commander Children of Africa Foundation with the focus of fighting HIV, AIDS and investing in the
impact. The foundation started educational programs for the very needy and supported vulnerable parents and guardians in communities.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Sunday Musonda, Vice-President and CEO of the
Kenneth Kaunda Children of Africa Foundation said the Great African icon was a selfless leader who not only liberated his country, Zambia,
but also played a major role in the liberation of Africa and Southern African countries. “We can not emphasise enough KK’s role in the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa.
Africa can not thank God enough for the gift of this great man,” We need to heed the call for us to create the Africa that our people deserve. It’s time for us to come together and be serious with working on our continent.

Mr. Musonda briefed the audience on the various programs and activities
of the foundation. KK contributed a lot in various fields. Locally and
internationally, the United Nations met in cooperation of the Commission for HIV AIDS and Governance in Africa.

In May 2018, Islam contributed to the fight against the HIV AIDS, and the United Nations awarded KK the UN AIDS Leadership Award.

Even before KK passed on in June 2021, the foundation was already being reorganized.
We have been trying to explore ways of strengthening ourselves to be efficient and effective in that time when there is quite some donor
fatigue in the world.

We are exploring how we can use our experience gained in the fight against HIV AIDS to deal with new challenges that
include the coronavirus pandemic. In our reorganization, we will
strengthen existing links and establish flesh partnerships with other organizations and programs. Another effort we are supporting is to do
with sustainable environment and climate action. KK was very passionate about nature and the sustainable environment. He supported nature
sanctuaries. Initiated and supported many projects that are still helpful today. The trees planted over the decades in many places are living today.

We are continuing with tree planting. We will work with
others on environmentally sustainable livelihoods.
We will act for the limiting of plastic damaging. We will work and cooperate with others on climate resilience.
And we will continue to provide lessons for many in the world. This includes case concern for settling conflicts. This was active when KK was president and even after leaving office.

Various experiences can
help provide useful lessons even in current situations.

Another task the foundatio is doing is to still put together resources to print the
memory, the memoirs, and to have them launched in 2024 to coincide with the
centenary of KK’s birth.

The Kenneth Kaunda Children of Africa Foundation provides food, medical
care, schooling for AIDS, orphans.
Even at a time when KK was suffering, he showed his dedication to serving others and to use that moment to
set up this powerful foundation, which continues to do great work, assisting and helping the most vulnerable among us, particularly children.

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and Founder of The Princess of Africa Foundation, Ms Yvonne Chaka Chaka is well known for her Love of the continent of Africa and her work in helping particularly the most
vulnerable on our continent, protecting children, championing education,
health and the rights of women.

Ms. Yvonne Chaka Chaka tirelessly campaigns for medications and supports
the efforts to help end malaria, a preventable and curable disease that’s killing more than 3000 people every single day.

Inspired by these statistics, she created her own charity, The Princess of Africa Foundation, which focuses on raising awareness and taking initiative to eradicate this disease.

Apart from entertaining us and bringing us joy on the stage. We really have been celebrating her work. Her tireless efforts are not an underestimation to say that she’s been saving thousands of lives with the work that she’s been doing.

In her remarks, Yvonne Chaka Chaka said the late President Kaunda was a good man. “President Kaunda was the only President that I called Dad beside Oliver Tambo.
KK loved this continent, and we all know that. And today, I’m delighted that you, yourselves as Africans, are here to commemorate this day.
What a significant day this is. On the 16th of June,
was the uprising of Soweto, on the 17th of June, was the day when God remembered our Father, and the 18th of June is President Thabo Mbeki’s
Birthday.

Now I want to say. This man fought so hard. For this continent to have its freedom. With that said, let us not disappoint our forefathers, let
us not disappoint those who wanted to see Africa being home for all of
us. Africa is for all those who live in it. But there’s a lot that is
happening, and it’s us people in this room who have to show Ubuntu to one
another, to start trading amongst each other, to start learning from one
another. I want you to call on other presidents. We are tired of seeing
young people crossing the seas and dying. Let us make everything in
Africa. Africa has got all the minerals that have to be benefiting.
Everybody, the brain drain that is happening, it shouldn’t be let’s when the people from the West come to Africa, they should come in our own terms, not us listening to them guys. If we don’t do that, we will be
judged by the next generation. I believe in black power, I believe in this continent, and I’m not sure if you do care about the June 16 representatives here because these are the young people who tackle the
bull by the horn and fought because they did not want a young black
person to be taught in a language that they did not understand. Or a
language of an oppressor. So we can’t be saying Africa is free when our children are crossing the seas to go and look for greener pastures. Now
it is people like you and me here who have to pave the way. Let us do it now. Let us do it for a better Africa said Yvonne Chaka Chaka.

In delivering the lecture, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, acknowledged Dr
Kenneth Kaunda’s legacy and his contribution to freeing Africa from colonialism.

In his speech, the former Nigeria president said that he currently
there were major conflicts and undemocratic governments in a number of
African states. These states include Sudan, Ethiopia, Libya, Chad, Mali,
Guinea and Burkina Faso, as well as tensions and attempted coup d’etat
in several others. “As Africans, we must ask ourselves what is the cause
of all these crises,”
Mr Jonathan said. “Nation-building is often described as a marathon, a
process that requires the active participation of every citizen to
contribute to the fulfillment of the shared dream of the community.”
He added, “This assertion is true in the light of our lived reality as Africans as a continent that is confronted with many developmental
issues. Citizens need peace, justice, and security. They want to be shielded from hunger, poverty, and deprivation.

Citizens want accountable leadership, a system of government that guarantees their basic rights.”According to Mr Jonathan, leadership has become a major source of conflicts and wars in most African countries.
The leadership recruitment process and our inability to effectively manage political
transitions have resulted in avoidable conflicts. Elections in some countries have become a source of instability, largely reflecting the kind of leaders we have in authority,” explained the ex-president.
He called on “my fellow brothers and sisters” in Africa “to seek to redefine leadership and governance on the continent.” Mr Jonathan added, “We need a leadership process that guarantees the
fundamental freedoms and rights of the citizens and delivers a good life
to them. We need to build and protect our political systems to serve the
best interest of our people. We must learn how to manage our diversity and build an inclusive society.”
Vice President. Doctor Nevis, Mumbai talked about what KK represented, particularly when it came to fighting for others, often at great cost.

Photo: High Level Special Session: Dialogue with Director-General of the WTO and the Kazakhstan’s Government.
Photo credit: The Astana Times.

Photo: WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala via video call at the High Level Special Session.
Photo credit: The Astana Times.

Photo: First Deputy Chief of the Kazakh Presidential Administration Timur Suleimenov.
Photo credit: The Astana Times.

By Saniya Sakenova in Astana International Forum

ASTANA – Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala spoke about the challenges facing the global trading system and proposed solutions during a high-level special session on the second day of the Astana International Forum (AIF) on June 9.

The session was moderated by Timur Suleimenov, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the President of Kazakhstan.

The WTO Director-General stressed that one of the biggest challenges is geopolitical tensions leading to decoupling, deglobalization, and the risk of fragmentation of the global trading system. She noted that all of this arises from the severe vulnerabilities in supply chains and the trading system due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“Let’s be cautious because if the world trading system fragments, that could be very costly for the entire global economy,” she warned.

According to the WTO’s estimates, if the world was to break up into two trading blocs, it would mean a 5% loss in real global GDP in the longer term, which is bigger than the 3.5% loss that the countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) faced during the financial crisis of 2008-2009.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala said it was a good sign that the G7 countries stated in May that they are not decoupling but that economic resilience requires de-risking and diversification.

Touching on protectionism, the Director-General said the WTO urges countries not to retreat from trade, look inwards, and become more protectionist but to maintain the stability and openness of the global trading system She emphasized that such an approach has delivered benefits for the past 75 years, lifting one billion people out of poverty.

Focusing on opportunities, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala named services as the fastest trade segment. Within it, digitally delivered services are growing at 8% per year compared to goods trade, which is growing at 5.6% annually.

“It is clear that the future of trade is services. It is digital, it is green, and it should be inclusive. That is my mantra,” she said.

The Director-General underscored the need to reach a plurilateral agreement involving all WTO member countries, particularly on e-commerce, to set the rules underpinning digital trade to assure stability, fairness, and competition within the digital trading arena.

The parties discussed critical outcomes of the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC-12) chaired by Suleimenov from Kazakhstan’s side in June 2022. They highlighted the top priorities ahead of the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC-13) scheduled for February next year in the United Arab Emirates.

One of the conference’s vital outcomes was a landmark agreement on doing away with $22 billion in harmful fishery subsidies aiding and abetting illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which was under negotiations for over two decades.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stated that 260 million people, depending on fisheries worldwide, risk having their livelihood jeopardized by overfishing, whose scale in the oceans ranges from 38% to 50% now. She said the objective is to ratify the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement in 18 months.

She referred to the latest statistics showing that Kazakhstan spent $100 million importing fish for consumption in the country, expressing hope that the landlocked state will be able to ratify the agreement.

The Director-General mentioned a declaration on food security adopted at the MC-12 responding to the United Nations World Food Program’s request to remove export restrictions, which might contain high food prices and price volatility, as well as world trade in food, heat, and fertilizers.

Other noteworthy accomplishments of the WTO are the extension of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions and the MC-12 TRIPS Decision to COVID-19 therapeutics and diagnostics, a massive push on the accessibility of vaccines.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala expressed concern about harmful trade-distorting subsidies that could lead to a situation where smaller countries may not be able to compete in producing and exporting agricultural products, mainly cotton. She mentioned the impact of climate change, which should be addressed at the MC-13.

“Areas that used to be breadbaskets in the past, producing certain foods and crops, may no longer be [viable] because of droughts and floods,” she said.

According to the Director-General, the WTO should make deliverables on the graduation of least-developed countries (LDC) from LDC status to allow them to industrialize, expand their economies, manufacture and create jobs.

She also mentioned the investment facilitation agreement that WTO member states are negotiating to eliminate all barriers of bureaucracy to make investments in countries easier.

Regarding the WTO reform, a long-awaited process of immense significance, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala outlined negotiating, monitoring, and transparency, and dispute settlement functions.

“We would like to see all those functions strengthened so that the community can be responsive to challenges of the 21st century,” she stated, noting the WTO pledge to complete the reform by 2024.

She underlined how important it has been for Kazakhstan to join the WTO, adding that the country can encourage and work with other states in Central Asia, including Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, on their accession.

“This is a part of the world that is very critical to the global economy,” she said, stressing that access to the WTO enables the countries to do fundamental reforms that accelerate economic growth and development, bringing them into global and regional value chains.

16th of June South Africa commemorates the Soweto youth uprising of 16 June 1976. A day when the youth took up the fight against inequality and oppression.

We must not forget the great courage and sacrifice of the 1976 generation. 1976 Youth A chosen generation that possessed the ability to usher in a wave of change.

The Youth gives a generation the need to design, shape, and build the world of tomorrow while renewing the old and outdated and maintaining all that is good in society.

The Youth, our tomorrow’s future. The Youth South Africa’s future leaders, The Youth, the future of South Africa. Let us never forget the sacrifices of the past.

Photo: Ambassador of Russia to South Africa H.E. Mr Ilya Rogachev at Russian Day Reception during his opening remarks

Russia Day 12th June, is an important day in the Russian calendar, and has been celebrated annually since 1992 to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) on 12 June 1990. The passage of this Declaration by the First Congress of People’s Deputies marked the beginning of constitutional reform in the Russian Soviet state.

In celebration of Russian Day, the Embassy of Russia in Pretoria hosted a reception on the occasion of Russia Day.

The event was attended by representatives of South African government institutions, the diplomatic corps accredited to Pretoria, military attaches, representatives of business, academia, associations of Russian community in South Africa, and mass media

In his opening remarks, Ambassador of Russia to South Africa H.E. Mr Ilya Rogachev said Russian Day was an opportunity to pay tribute to generations of our forefathers who established, strengthened, and defended this unique country of ours. Their achievements and victories in peace and at war allowed us to move forward despite the intentions to ‘cancel’ them through aggressive Russophobic narrative.

What is happening in Ukraine is not a clash between Moscow and Kiev, rather a military conflict between the Western bloc and Russia, while the special military operation is purposed to put an end to NATO’s unlimited expansion and keeping the US and the collective West from achieving total domination in the world arena said Ambassador Ilya Rogachev.

The Ambassador said that despite the sanctions and restrictions, Russia’s economy has been doing reasonably well in all major sectors. According to forecasts Russia’s GDP is expected to grow by 1.2% in 2023 in comparison to the ailing European economies

Ambassador reminded guests of the upcoming second Russia-Africa Summit in St Petersburg and the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg and expressed confidence that the events would help to outline new plans and expand Russia-Africa cooperation in different areas.

The second Russia-Africa Summit will take place in St Petersburg, and the Summit is set to outline new plans aimed at expanding cooperation in various areas, including political, trade, economic, technology, and science.

The potential, especially for trade between Russia and South Africa, is enormous, said Rogachev. “In such a turbulent and testing period, the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Africa should double their efforts to develop even closer ties building on our joint achievements and mutual respect.”

Director General of the Department of Small Business Development Mr Lindokhule Mkhumane as the guest of honour addressed the distinguished guests on behalf of His Excellency President C.Ramaphosa, the Government and the people of South Africa. ‘I wish to congratulate the Government and the people of the Russian Federation and wish the Russian Federation joyful, peaceful, and prosperous National Day,’ said Mr. Mkhumane

On the bilateral relations, Director General Lindokhule Mkhumane said “One of the primary mechanisms for improving the bilateral relationship and advancing development objectives between the two countries has been the Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Cooperation. The 17th session of ITEC was held in March 2023 in Pretoria.”

As chair of BRICS this year, South Africa is set to host the BRICS Summit in August in which Russia will participate, and South Africa looks forward to engaging with the Russian Federation during the Summit

Mkhumane said that South Africa always stands ready to support the peaceful resolution of conflict wherever in the world it may occur. “South Africa believes that the only path to peace is through diplomacy, dialogue and a commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter,” which is why President Cyril Ramaphosa together with other African Heads of State, as part of an African peace initiative, are currently engaging with Presidents Putin and Zelensky individually, seeking dialogue and lasting peace in the region.

#RussiaDay

Photo: : Chinese President Xi Jinping held a welcoming ceremony for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, (Xinhua)

Palestine issued a joint statement on strategic partnership China

Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward a three-point proposal for the settlement of the Palestinian question during his talks with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Beijing on Wednesday.

Xi stressed that the Palestinian question has remained unresolved for over half a century, causing great sufferings to the Palestinian people; justice must be done to Palestine as soon as possible.

First, the fundamental solution lies in the establishment of an independent state of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty on the basis of the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital, he said.

Second, Palestine’s economic and livelihood needs should be met, and the international community needs to step up development assistance and humanitarian aid to Palestine, he said.

Third, it is important to keep to the right direction of peace talks. The historical status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem should be respected, and excessive and provocative words and actions should be avoided.

A large-scale, more authoritative and more influential international peace conference should be convened so as to create conditions for the resumption of peace talks and contribute tangible efforts to help Palestine and Israel live in peace, he said.

“China stands ready to play a positive role to assist Palestine in achieving internal reconciliation and promote peace talks,” Xi said.

By SM Ayaz Zakir

UAE re-introduces a 3-month visit visa. Visitors can stay in the country for up to 90 days

The UAE has re-introduced the three-month visit visa, which Khaleej Times can reveal. The three-month or 90-day visa was scrapped at the end of last year, and a long-term 60-day visa was introduced for visitors willing to visit the country for a longer duration.

A call centre executive at the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) said that people who are willing to visit the UAE for 90 days can make use of the opportunity. “They should consult their travel agents who will help them in issuing the 90-days visit visa,” said the called center executive.

According to industry experts, this was reintroduced by the end of May 2023, allowing visitors to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days. However, the visa can be extendable within the country at an additional cost based on the service provider.

Different types of entry permits

“There are two types of entry permits — a tourist visa or a leisure visa and a visit visa. A tourist visa is issued for 30 or 60 days. The visit visa is issued for 90 days,” said Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager for inbound and outbound operations at Regal Tours Worldwide, adding that this extended visit visa complements the existing tourist visa options, which includes a 30-day or 60-day stay, offering travellers greater flexibility in planning their itineraries.

The 30-day and the recently introduced 60-day tourist visas have long been popular among visitors seeking shorter stays in the UAE, providing ample time to explore the country’s iconic landmarks and indulge in world-class shopping and dining experiences.

Who can apply?

Residents are not aware of this three-month visa, which has been reintroduced by the authorities, Libin Varghese, sales director at Rooh Tourism LLC, said.

Industry experts said that anyone can apply for this visa, and it is valid for Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“Currently, we have not received much inquiry about it, and visitors who prefer this entry permit are their family members residing in the UAE, as they want to spend a longer time. Take, for instance, if a child who is studying in his home country visits UAE during vacations or parents of a resident,” said Varghese.

Subair said that a few years ago, there were only two types of entry permit in the UAE — a leisure visa which was issued for three months, and a tourist visa which was issued for 30 days. “But, recently, there were several changes that were introduced to visa procedures last year. The three-month visa could also be extended while staying within the country by paying the extension fee, and it was very popular,” said Subair.

Visa fee

The fee for a 90-day-visit visa varies depending on your issuing travel expert, with a starting price of Dh1,500, and can go up to Dh2,000, which can even be extended within the country. “The exact details of extension have not been announced as the visa was introduced a few days ago,” said Varghese.

Documents required

According to Subair, one must submit the following documents if you are planning to apply for the long-term visit visa:

Recent passport-size coloured photograph
Passport copy
Processing time
“Once a person applies for this newly introduced visa, it may take up to five working days. But we can even receive it in two days,” said Subair.

Photo: The Minister in the Presidency responsible for electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa together hosting Mr Carlos Zacarias, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources in Mozambique at the Union Buildings, Pretoria.

Photo: The Minister in the Presidency responsible for electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa together with Minister Maropene Ramokgopa and Mr Carlos Zacarias, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources in Mozambique at the Union Buildings, Pretoria.

The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Carlos Zacarias, announced the immediate availability of 100 MW of electricity to South Africa, a country experiencing a severe power supply deficit

The announcement was made this Monday in Pretoria after a request made on May 29 in Maputo by the South African government.

“The Mozambican government has available – immediately – 100 MW of energy produced through the Nacala Floating Power Plant [Karpowership], and the commercial agreement that will define the price, transport mechanisms and start of energy channelling should be closed very soon,” Mozambique’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Carlos Zacarias said.

Kgosientsho Ramokgoba, Minister of Electricity in the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa, expressed his gratitude, declaring himself “happy” with the Government of Mozambique’s swift response.

“We expected 80MW and today we received the promise of 100 MW, with technicians working to make operations viable,” Ramokgoba said, underlining that the energy would reduce the high costs of the current supply deficit to the South African economy.

At the meeting in Pretoria, Carlos Zacarias also announced that Mozambique would, within six months, have available a further 600 MW of energy from the Floating Power Station in Maputo and the Thermal Power Station in Ressano Garcia.

Mozambique, a country with a diverse energy matrix, is working to make energy viable through various ongoing projects, with an emphasis on the Temane Thermal Power Station (CTT), which will produce 450 MW from January, 2025, using natural gas from Pande and Temane in Inhambane.

This project will increase the installed capacity in 2024 to 975 MW. Taking into account the 260 MW increase in demand since 2014, Mozambique should have a surplus of around 700 MW after meeting the country’s internal needs.

The planned Mpanda Nkuwa Hydroelectric Project, situated downstream from Cahora Bassa, is expected to generate 1500 MW of electricity per annum, from 2030.

South Africa is the main buyer of electricity from the Cahora Bassa hydroelectric power plant, under an agreement in effect until 2029.

South Africa’s Cabinet approved Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa’s plan to import electricity from Mozambique to address the country’s power shortages.

The power purchase agreement between the two countries was discussed during a cabinet meeting. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced that Mozambique would initially provide 80MW of power, with the potential to increase to 1,000MW in the medium term.

The additional power supply would enable Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned power utility, to reduce load shedding by at least one stage, bringing relief to businesses and households.

The Cabinet also emphasized the importance of supporting the “Winter Demand Management” campaign initiated by the electricity minister, which aims to encourage electricity saving and alleviate strain on the national grid.

Currently, South Africa faces a significant electricity deficit of 6,000MW, leading to the implementation of up to Stage 6 rotational load shedding to prevent grid collapse.

Photo: Ambulances Donations
Photo Credit:TVM

The Mozambican National Health System’s capacity for timely diagnosis and treatment has just been strengthened with the delivery of 28 ambulances and hospital surgical equipment, Radio Mozambique reports.

Part of the material, acquired with the support of the Japanese government, is intended for assistance in terms of first aid and to improve the performance of health units, said Minister of Health, Armindo Tiago.

“The ambulances, the equipment and medical materials must necessarily contribute to improving the performance of the sector,” Minister Tiago said. “We want to urge health professionals and the beneficiaries of this equipment to use it in a rational way and maintain it well so that it serves today and for generations to come.”

The Japanese Ambassador to Mozambique, Hajime Kimura, said that the aid package also includes cardiac monitors and oxygen concentrators, among other cardio-respiratory equipment.